Restored plot unveiled at Glasnevin

A RESTORED burial plot and a commemorative plaque were unveiled last week at Glasnevin Cemetery in memory of deceased service users of the ALONE charity.

More than 80 people attended a ceremony last Wednesday (July 25) organised by the charity, which provides support to older people in need.

The unveiling of the newly landscaped Millennium Plot and plaque coincides with the service’s 35th anniversary.

ALONE ensures that older people who have passed away and are unclaimed are buried with dignity and respect and the Millennium Plot was secured and developed for this purpose. In total 148 people have been laid to rest in the plot since 1988.

During the commemoration, those in attendance symbolically laid individual flowers, each bearing the name of a person buried at the plot.

Special guest of honour, Senator David Norris, unveiled the restored plot and plaque.

“I have long been a supporter of ALONE’s vital work in the community, and their commitment to the older people in need who they provide services for,

? he said.

“I hope that ALONE’s work will continue to bring comfort and support to all of their service users during their 35th anniversary, and far beyond.

?

The plot was established in 1988 when the founder of ALONE, firefighter Willie Bermingham, committed that the charity would ensure that no older person in Dublin would ever be buried in an unmarked grave.

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said the charity’s 35th anniversary was a timely opportunity to commemorate the thousands of people with whom the service has supported since it was established.

“The newly designed plot has been in the works for some time, and it’s very touching to be able to remember each individual person who is laid to rest here with this very symbolic and thoughtful design,

? Mr Moynihan stated.

“We thank The Ireland Fund for part-funding the restoration of the Millennium Plot.

?

Well-known Dubliner Willie Bermingham set up ALONE in 1977 to help marginalised older people living in poverty and isolation.

Today, older people, who were at risk of homelessness, live in ALONE homes and benefit from a support network of volunteers and staff.

Volunteers from the ALONE Befriending Service also pay regular visits to older people who would otherwise be isolated or lonely.

Also, ALONE’s Community Response Service supports older people in crisis, managing 30 emergency situations a month.

Older people in need of assistance or support can contact the charity on 01-6791032.